lOSPKCXUS. 


California 


4^1  Trainino;  ColleQ;e 


|My  SchooIv  Teachkrs 

f 

%ik  Studknts,  Etc. 


CALIFORNIA 


cw 


ormal  Craitiing  College 


FOR 


Sunday  School  Teachers,  Bible  Students, 
AND  Other  Lay  Workers. 

Founded   June  11,  1891. 
( Interdenominational.) 


PROSPECTUS  FOR  FIRST  YEAR, 

On  the  Basis  of  the  American  Institute  of 
Religious  Education. 


Under   the   Patronage   of   the  State  Sunday  School 
Association. 


\  1 1  *l  ••;  •••• 


"  Study  to  show  thyself  appro v^ed  unto  God,  a  workman 
that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of 
trnth.''— Paul. 


QOAl^D  OF   Is?eQe]ST3. 


Flt^ST    CLkflSS. 

Term    Kxpires    in    1802. 

1.  Rkv.  Robt.   Mackenzie,  D.D.,     .         .     San  Francisco. 

Presbyterian. 

2.  Rev.  H.  B.  Heacock,  D.D.,        .         .         .      Oakland. 

Methodist  Episcopal. 

3.  Rev.  T.  H.  B.  Anderson,  D.D.,         .  Santa  Rosa. 

Methodist  Episcopal,  South. 


SHCOfiD    CLiflSS. 
Term    Kxpires    in    1893. 

4.  Rev.  R.  M.  Stevenson,       .         .         .         Sacramento. 

Presbyterian. 

5.  Rev.  J.  K.  Harrison,  .         .         .  Santa  Rosa. 

Congregational. 

6.  Rev.  J.  Q.  A.  Henry,         .         .         .     San  Francisco. 

Baptist. 


TKl^n    CLifliSS. 
Teri«n    Expires    in    1894. 

7.  W.  F.  IvEwis,  D.D.S.,  ....      Oakland. 

Methodist  Episcopal. 

8.  C.  Z.   Merritt,     .         .         .         .         .         .      Oakland. 

Congregational. 

9.  Prof.  Selden  Sturgis,        .         .         .     San  Francisco. 

Christian. 


679612 


OFFieer?s  of  boai^d. 


PHHSIDE^^T. 

Rkv.  Robt.  Mackenzie,  D.D., 

1452  Franklin  Street,  San  Francisco. 

VICE    PI^ESlDEflT. 

Dr.  W.  F.  IvEWIS,  1209  San  Pablo  Avenue,  Oakland. 

C.  Z,  Merritt,  508  California  Street,  San  Francisco. 

SECI^ETill^V. 

Prof.  SeIvDEn  Sturgis,      734  Shotwell  vSt.,  San  Francisco. 

STllfiDH^G     COMIVIITTEES. 

On  Rooms Sturgis. 

On  Printing, Merritt. 

On  Finance,  .         .  Mackenzie,  Anderson,  Heacock. 

On  Faculty,  .         .         .        Henry,  lyEwis,  Harrison. 


THE  GREETING. 

The  Regents  of  the  ' '  California  Normal  Training 
College  ' '  for  the  preparation  of  Sunday-school  Teachers, 
Bible  students  and  other  lay  workers ,  submit  to  the  Christian 
public  the  plans  of  this  institution,  earnestly  inviting  the  pray- 
ers and  co-operation  of  all  good  people.  The  worthy  ends  pro- 
posed cannot  fail  to  secure  general  approval.  The  future  church 
is  in  the  present  Sunday-school.  ' '  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way 
he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it." 
Every  hope  for  the  coming  years  centers  in  the  boys  and  girls 
of  to-day.  To  provide  them,  therefore,  with  competent  instruct- 
ors is  the  dictate  of  the  highest  wisdom.  Many  earnest  souls, 
desiring  to  be  useful  in  various  other  fields  of  lay  effort,  need 
to  know  how  to  study  and  handle  the  Word  as  the  sword  of 
the  Spirit.  It  is  believed  that  the  movement  now  inaugurated 
is  providentially  ordered,  and  that  it  has  all  the  elements  neces- 
sary to  the  highest  usefulness  in  both  these  directions.  But  suc- 
cess is  possible  only  through  united  eJBfort  under  the  Divine 
blessing. 

THE  HISTORY.'^  ' ' 

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  State 'Sunday-schoor  Asso- 
ciation, desiring  to  elevate  the  standard  of  teaching,  invited 
Rev.  J.  E.  Gilbert,  D.D.,  of  Indianapolis,  General  Superinten- 
dent of  the  American  Institute  of  Religious  Education,  to 
spend  three  months  in  normal  institutes  under  their  direction, 
in  various  cities  of  the  State.  The  Committee  had  received 
numerous  testimonials  of  Dr.  Gilbert's  abilities  as  a  specialist 
in  this  department,  and  they  had  some  knowledge  of  the  society 
he  represented,  and  of  its  work  in  other  states,  so  that  there 
was  good  ground  to  hope  that  his  services  would  prove  a  great 
blessing,  preparing  the  way,  possibly,  for  some  permanent  and 
more  extensive  measures. 

Beginning  April  ist,  he  was  greeted  in  every  place  with  large 


audiences.  The  dignity  of  the  teacher's  office,  the  equipment 
necessary  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  its  duties,  the  improved 
methods  of  study  and  teaching,  the  possibilities  of  spiritual 
development, — these  and  related  themes  were  so  presented  as 
to  awaken  in  all  who  heard  an  earnest  desire  to  undertake  an 
advanced  course  of  training.  In  most  of  the  communities 
resolutions  were  adopted  and  committees  formed,  all  looking  to 
that  end.  These  expressions  were  spontaneous  and  cordial, 
all  denominations  uniting  in  a  way  to  excite  surprise  that  no 
diversity  of  opinion  existed. 

At  the  State  Convention  held  in  Santa  Rosa,  June  9,  10  and 
II,  before  large  audiences,  that  which  had  been  presented  in 
the  several  cities  was  repeated  and  enlarged.  All  felt  them- 
selves instructed  and  quickened,  and  the  sentiment  gradually 
crystallized.  The  body  moved  steadily  on  in  one  direction. 
At  the  last  session,  most  of  those  earnest  men  being  present 
who  have  been  for  years  the  warmest  friends  of  the  state  work, 
the  committee  on  resolutions  presented  a  paper,  which,  after  a 
free  discussion,  was  adopted  without  a  dissenting  voice.  That 
paper  follows  in  this  prospectus,  and  constitutes  probably  one 
of  the  most  important  documents  in  the  history  of  Sunday- 
schools  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

This  recital  must  convince  every  thoughtful  person  that  the 
College  merits  suppoi;t.  From  first  to  last  fully  five  thousand 
peopW  have- end^scd  .this  measure  in  our  state.  This  popular 
approval, ^glveu  tjncjec •  yarious  circumstances,  finally  taking 
tbrin 'ill' a' large  ^fk^m^lyof  representatives  from  different  sec- 
tions of  the  state,  is  proof  that  a  great  need  is  supplied. 

THE  CHARTER. 

Reported  by  the  committee  on  resolutions  and  unanimously  adopted 
by  "The  California  Sunday-school  Association,"  at  its  twenty-fourth 
annual  convention,  Santa  Rosa,  June  11,  1891. 

Whereas,  We  have  heard  with  pleasure  from  Rev.  J.  K.  Gil- 
bert, D.D.,  General  Superintendent  of  the  American  Institute 
of  Religious  Education,  concerning  the  plans  of  that  society 
for  the  training  of  Sunday-school  teachers  and  other  lay  work- 
ers ;  and, 


Whereas,  The  friends  of  Sunday-schools  in  Los  Angeles, 
Oakland,  San  Jose,  Napa,  and  San  Francisco,  after  hearing 
Dr.  Gilbert's  lectures  and  lessons  in  institute  sessions,  are  pro- 
posing to  introduce  the  system  of  teacher-training  as  a  per- 
manent feature  of  religious  work  in  those  cities,  and  have  with 
great  cordiality  arranged  the  necessary  preliminaries  for  that 
purpose  ;  and. 

Whereas,  We,  the  delegates  to  the  twenty-fourth  annual 
State  Convention,  desire  this  movement  to  be  more  general, 
and  to  give  it  our  support,  that  the  entire  state  may  share  in 
the  benefits ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  there  shall  be  a  permanent  institution,  to  be 
known  as  the  ' '  California  Normal  Training  College  for  Sun- 
day-school Teachers,  Bible  students  and  other  lay  workers, " 
in  which  shall  be  pursued  the  two  years'  course  of  study  and 
practice  put  forth  by  the  American  Institute  of  Religious  Ed- 
ucation. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  be,  and  they  hereby 
are,  elected  a  Board  of  Regents  for  the  government  of  said 
College. 

(For  list,  see  page  three.) 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Regents  be  instructed  to  pro- 
ceed as  follows  : 

1 .  They  shall  elect  a  President,  Vice-President,  Treasurer, 
Secretary,  and  Registrar, — the  first  three  of  whom  shall  be  of 
their  own  number. 

2.  They  shall  perfect  the  details  for  such  College  in  all  par- 
ticulars not  now  prescribed  by  the  said  ' '  The  American  In- 
stitute," and  adjust  the  proper  relations  with  that  society,  so 
as  to  secure  the  assistance  of  its  General  Superintendent. 

3.  They  shall  issue  a  prospectus,  and  mail  the  same  to  min- 
isters and  leading  laymen,  setting  forth  the  plans  so  devised. 

4.  They  shall  adopt  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  to 
secure  the  formation  of  a  branch  school  as  speedily  as  possible 
in  each  town  in  the  State. 

5.  They  shall  have  power  to  raise  funds,  employ  helpers, 
establish  an  office,  and  do  whatever  else  may  be  necessary  in 
accomplishing  the  work  committed  to  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Regents  shall  present  to  the 


8 

next  State  Convention,  and  thereafter  to  each  succeeding  an- 
nual Convention,  a  written  report  of  its  work  for  the  year  pre- 
ceding, including  the  list  of  the  towns  where  schools  or  classes 
have  been  formed,  the  number  of  students  and  the  number  of 
graduates,  and  that  this  report  be  referred  to  a  special  com- 
mittee, who  shall  review  it,  and  present  to  the  Convention 
some  expression  for  its  approval. 

Resolved,  That  at  each  annual  State  Convention  hereafter 
held  the  Board  of  Regents  present  three  names  for  the  approval 
of  the  Convention,  to  serve  in  the  place  of  the  three  whose  term 
of  ofl&ce  shall  expire  ;  providing  that  in  case  names  so  pre- 
sented are  rejected,  the  Board  shall  have  right  of  further  nom- 
ination ;  and  provided  also,  that  the  Board  shall  fill  any  vacan- 
cies occurring  in  its  number  during  the  year. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  use  of  the  Board  of  Regents  for  the 
coming  year  an  appropriation  of  three  hundred  dollars  be  made, 
and  that  the  Executive  Committee  be  authorized  to  increase 
this  amount  at  its  discretion  during  the  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  intent  of  the  foregoing  action  is  to  se- 
cure a  popular  endorsement  of  a  movement  in  our  state,  which 
has  been  signally  successful  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  and 
that  to  the  Board  of  Regents  above  named  and  their  success- 
ors, we  hereby  pledge  our  hearty  support. 


THE  SYSTEM. 

The  training  to  be  pursued  in  the  College  is  not  a  cramming 
process  designed  to  fill  the  mind  with  facts.  Nor  is  it  a  routine 
drill,  arbitrarily  imposed,  to  give  proficiency  in  those  methods 
of  study,  teaching  and  management  which  some  have  called 
improved  because  they  are  new.  The  aim  is  rather  to  stimulate 
and  guide  in  those  normal  activities  that  result  in  character 
knowledge  and  skill,  by  which  one  may  be  able  in  turn  to  stim  - 
ulate  and  guide  others.  The  teacher  must  be  more  than  a 
copyist, — he  must  be  an  inventor  of  methods  to  be  used  in 
reaching  a  desired  end.  His  mind  must  be  more  than  a  store- 
house,— it  must  be  a  well  disciplined  agent,  summoning  its 
powers  and  acting  promptly  as  necessities  require.  Teaching 
is  not  a  perfunctory  performance  determined  by  rules, — it  is 


9 

the  inspiration  and  guidance  which  one  soul  gives  to  another 
in  its  struggles  after  truth  and  a  higher  life. 

The  principles  underlying  the  system  are  contained  in  the 
following  extract  from  Dr.  Gilbert's  "  Philosophy  of  Religious 
Education  ' ' : 

' '  The  cultivation  of  the  spiritual  nature  is  conditioned  upon 
the  right  exercise  of  its  powers, — the  various  faculties  must  be 
brought  into  a  free  and  harmonious  activity  according  to  the 
laws  by  which  they  are  governed.  The  Bible  is  eminently 
adapted  to  promote  such  activity,  for  it  contains  a  record  of  ex- 
periences and  phenomena,  occurring  under  great  variety  of  cir- 
cumstances, put  up  in  a  form  to  indicate  the  true  method  and 
furnish  the  best  stimulus  to  spiritual  exercise.  The  Bible  at- 
tains its  highest  educational  value  only  when  studied.  The 
mere  hearer  derives  comparatively  little  benefit.  Truth  is  riot 
apprehended  or  appreciated,  neither  does  it  awaken  appropriate 
response,  until  it  is  sought,  scrutinized,  classified  and  held  in 
contemplation.  The  Bible  should  be  studied  inductively.  Its 
scattered  facts  should  be  gathered  and  arranged  so  as  to  show 
their  relations,  and  lead  to  the  discovery  of  fundamental  truths, 
and  these  should  be  cherished  chiefly  because  they  exhibit  the 
order  and  the  attractive  glory  of  spiritual  development.  Hence, 
the  Bible  teacher  must  be  a  Bible  student,  set  to  make  other 
Bible  students.  He  must  master  two  arts  in  this  order  :  first, 
he  must  acquire  skill  in  finding  those  Biblical  truths  that 
nourish  the  spiritual  nature  ;  second,  he  must  acquire  skill  to 
induct  others  into  the  same  excellent  employment.  He  is  not 
a  teacher",  neither  can  he  be,  who  is  content  to  receive  what 
another  has  wrought  out  for  him,  however  valuable  that  may 
be,  and  deliver  the  same  to  others  as  indolent  as  himself. ' ' 


THE  COURSE. 

The  College  presents  a  course  of  two  years,  a  Junior  and  a 
Senior,  each  divided  into  four  terms  of  eight  weeks,  making 
thirty-two  weeks  per  year  and  sixty-four  weeks  in  all.  It  is 
advised  that  two  of  the  terms  be  held  before  Christmas  and 
two  after  New  Year's  day,  although  work  may  begin  and  end 
at  any  time.     Haste  is  discouraged,  however,  inasmuch  as  that 


lO 

which  is  accomplished  by  slow  and  easy  stages  is  more  thorough 
and  lasting.  Forced  work  is  liable  to  be  superficial.  Each 
term  bears  the  name  of  a  Greek  letter, — Alpha,  Beta,  Gamma, 
Delta,  Epsilon,  Zeta,  Eta,  Theta, — and  by  these  the  students 
will  be  distinguished. 

Throughout  the  entire  period  two  kinds  of  exercises  will  be 
had, — study  and  practice.  The  study  will  cover  those  matters 
which  are  deemed  to  be  necessary  in  preparing  one  to  handle 
the  Bible.  See  the  syllabus  on  page  eleven.  The  method  of 
study  and  recitation  will  be  such  as  to  give  relish  and  a  correct 
habit,  so  that  the  end  of  all  study  will  be  attained,  discipline  and 
knowledge.  The  practice  will  be  upon  those  processes  which 
are  involved  in  study  and  teaching,  so  conducted  that  the 
reason  and  method  of  the  process  may  be  known,  and  skill  ac- 
quired to  perform  it. 

The  study  will  prepare  for  the  practice  by  broadening  the 
realm  of  knowledge,  and  the  practice  will  prepare  for  the  study 
by  increasing  the  power  to  study.  The  two  exercises  carried 
along  together  are  designed  to  bring  the  candidate  forward  to 
the  attainment  of  that  peculiar  ability  which  is  needed  in  a 
truth-seeker,  a  character-builder,  and  a  student-maker.  Indeed, 
the  entire  course  is  planned  to  that  end.  Its  parts  gradually 
progress  from  Alpha  to  Theta,  the  value  of  each  appearing 
more  fully  as  the  advance  is  made. 

As  shown  in  the  title  page  and  charter,  the  work  of  the  Col- 
lege will  not  be  confined  to  those  who  propose  to  become  Sun- 
day-school teachers.  Its  course  will  be  helpful  to  all  Bible 
students, — to  those  who  seek  only  personal  benefit,  as  well  as 
to  those  who  desire  preparation  for  various  lines  of  Christian 
activity.  For  the  latter  class  the  subjects  of  the  Eta  and  Theta 
grades  will  be  changed,  and  other  subjects  introduced  accord- 
ing to  the  work  to  be  undertaken  by  the  candidate. 


THE  SYLLABUS. 

The  study  course  of  the  College  is  put  up  in  eight  small 
books,  prepared  by  Dr.  Gilbert,  bearing  the  general  title, 
"Normal  Lksson  Manual,"  with  the  term  name  prefixed, 
the  topics  of  which  are  given  in  the  following  outline  : 


II 

JUNIOR  YEAR. 
Alpha  Term  :  The  Bible. 


1.  Its  Present  Structure. 

2.  Its  Historic  Origin. 

3.  Its  Divine  Origin. 

4.  Its  Principal  Versions. 

5.  Its  Chj;-onology. 

6.  Its  Geography. 

7.  Its  Customs  and  Manners. 

8.  Its  Religious  Systems.  . 


Beta  Term  :  Sacred  History. 


1 .  Its  Nature  and  Value. 

2.  The  Antediluvian  Period. 

3.  The  Postdiluvian  Period. 

4.  The  Theocratic  Period. 

5.  The  Monarchical  Period/ 

6.  The  Restoration  Period. 

7.  The  Kvangelical  Period. 

8.  The  Apostolic  Period. 


Gamma  Term  :  Bible  Books. 


1.  The  Pentateuch. 

2.  Old  Testament  History. 

3.  Old  Testament  Poetry. 

4.  Old  Testament  Prophecy. 

5.  The  Gospels — Revelation. 

6.  The  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

7.  The  Pauline  Epistles. 

8.  The  Catholic  Epistles. 


Delta  Term  :  The  Redeemer. 


1.  The  Preparation  of  Messiah. 

2.  The  Introduction  of  Messiah. 
The  Early  Ministry  in  Judea. 

3.  The  Ministry  in  Galilee. 


12 


4-  The  Later  Ministry  in  Judea. 

5.  The  Ministry  in  Perea. 

6.  The  Preparation  for  the  Passover. 

7.  The  Feast  and  the  Sepulcher. 

8.  The  Sepulcher  and  the  Throne. 


SENIOR  YEAR. 
Epsilon  Term  :  Bible  Doctrines. 

1.  Of  God. 

2.  Of  Man. 

3.  Of  God-man. 

4.  Of  Atonement. 

5.  Of  Justification. 

6.  Of  Regeneration. 

7.  Of  Sanctification. 

8.  Of  Final  Things. 

Zeta  Term  :  The  Spiritual  IvIFE. 

1.  Spiritual  Powers. 

2.  Spiritual  Death. 

3.  Spiritual  Mindedness. 

4.  Spiritual  Experiences. 

5.  Spiritual  Culture. 

6.  Spiritual  Aids. 

7.  Spiritual  Growth. 

8.  Spiritual  Rewards. 

Eta  Term  :  The  Church  and  the  School. 

1.  The  Church  :  Apostolic. 

2.  The  Church  :  Patristic. 

3.  The  Church  :  Medieval. 

4.  The  Church  :  Modern. 

5.  The  School :  Its  Mission. 

6.  The  School :  Its  History. 

7.  The  School :  Its  Relations. 

8.  The  School :  Its  Organization. 


Theta  Term  :  Teacher  and  Teaching. 

1.  The  Teacher  :  Relations  and  Duties. 

2.  The  Teacher:  Personal  Preparation. 

3.  The  Teacher  :  Lesson  Preparation. 

4.  The  Teacher  :  Helps  Selected. 

5.  Teaching  :  The  Oral  Method. 

6.  Teaching  :  The  Conversational  Method. 

7.  Teaching  :  The  Catechetical  Method. 

8.  Teachino^ :  The  Recitation  Method. 


THE   PRACTICE. 

The  work  done  under  this  head  will  all  be  upon  the  regular 
International  Sunday-school  Lesson,  constituting,  therefore,  an 
excellent  preparation  for  the  Sabbath  duties,  superior  in  every 
respect  to  that  obtained  in  an  ordinar}-  teachers'  meeting.  It 
is  therefore  hoped  that  teachers'  meetings  will  be  converted 
into  training  classes  in  the  College,  thereby  obtaining  all  they 
now  seek,  and  much  more.  In  our  practice  work,  the  student 
is  set  to  perform  exercises  ;  he  is  changed  from  a  passive  recip- 
ient of  another's  ideas  into  an  earnest  seeker  and  skillful  op- 
erator. 

These  practice  exercises  are  outlined  in  a  series  of  eight 
small  books,  prepared  by  Dr.  Gilbert,  and  published  quarterly, 
bearing  the  general  title,  ^^  Se?iior  Normal  Practice  Guide.'" 
For  its  proper  use  a  certain  amount  of  oral  explanation  is 
needed,  and  the  constant  direction  of  a  suitable  leader,  who 
knows  how  the  exercises  should  be  performed,  and  is  able  to 
pass  judgment  and  render  help  to  the  candidates  from  week 
to  week.  And  yet,  in  the  hands  of  a  person  of  ordinary  intel- 
ligence the  Guide  may  be  used  to  very  great  advantage  without 
such  assistance. 

The  practice  course  covers  during  the  two  years  a  great 
variety  of  exercises,  among  them  the  following,  some  of  which 
are  rendered  many  times  : 

Statement  of  the  context. 

Re-statement  of  the  narrative. 

Inquiry  into  the  meaning  of  words  and  phrases. 


14 

Exposition  of  passages. 

Recitation  of  Scripture. 

Questioning. 

Synthesis,  or  combination  of  facts. 

Analysis,  or  sorting  and  arranging  facts. 

Map  Drawing. 

Description  of  scenes. 

Character  Sketches. 

Orientalisms  and  explanations. 

Summarizing. 

Bible  Reading. 

Illustration. 

Specimen  I^esson. 

Conversation. 

Stating  Spiritual  Truths. 

These  are  rendered  by  the  students  in  various  forms, — by 
black-board,  by  original  paper,  by  oral  outline,  by  diagram,  by 
abstract,  etc., — so  calling  out  various  qualities,  and  giving 
variety  of  method  and  much  ease. 

THE  PRIMARY. 

They  who  teach  the  very  little  ones  in  the  Sunday-school 
have  the  most  delicate  and  difficult  task,  and  need  preparation 
more  than  any  other  class  of  religious  workers.  For  their 
special  benefit  there  is  a  department  in  the  College  devoted  ex- 
pressly to  their  training.  It  covers  one  year,  the  work  being 
outlined  in  two  books,  entitled,  * '  Primary  Normal  Lesson 
Manual,"  and  "Primary  Normal  Practice  Guide,"  both  pre- 
pared by  Dr.  Gilbert.  The  first  treats  of  organization,  man- 
agement and  teaching  in  this  department  of  the  school,  and 
the  other  prescribes  a  course  of  practice  exercises  somewhat 
similar  to  those  in  the  regular  practice  section,  adapted  to 
teachers  of  this  grade. 

THE  DIPLOMA. 

Those  who  complete  the  regular  College  course  of  two 
years  will  receive  a  diploma,  issued  by  the  training  depart- 


15 

ment  of  the  American  Institute  of  Religious  Education,  bear^ 
ing  the  signature  of  its  Superintendent,  also  of  the  President 
and  Secretary  of  the  College.  This  document  reads  as  follows  : 

"  This  certifies  that a  member  of 

school  in  the College,  having  completed  the  two 

years'  course  of  study,  reading  and  practice  prescribed  in  the 
Training  Department  of  the  American  Institute  of  Religious 
Education,  and  being  now  in  good  fellowship  with  an  evan- 
gelical church,  is  hereby  invested  with  the  highest  honors  of 
the  Institute,  and  affectionately  commended  to  all  as  quali- 
fied to  teach  the  sacred  Scriptures."  All  who  hold  such  cer- 
tificate will  be  entitled  to  admission  into  the  Alpha-Theta 
Society,  which  is  devoted  to  the  advanced  study  of  various 
questions  connected  with  religious  education.  Another  certifi- 
cate will  be  issued  to  all  who  complete  the  work  in  the 
Primary  Department. 


THE  SCHOOLS.    • 

The  work  of  the  College  will  be  done  in  a  series  of  Train- 
ing Schools  established  in  the  various  cities,  each  under  the 
control  of  a  Board  of  Directors,  representing  various  denom- 
inations. Such  Board  should  be  organized  by  the  election  of 
a  President,  Vice  President,  Secretary,  Treasurer  and  Regis- 
trar, and  when  reported  to  the  College  Registrar  will  be 
entered  upon  the  records,  and  thereafter  considered,  together 
with  the  School  under  its  control,  an  integral  part  of  the 
College.  The  Regents  will  assist  in  establishing  such  Train- 
ing Schools,  and  afterward  exercise  supervision  over  them,  that 
there  may  be  unity  of  plan,  all  working  to  perfect  the  system 
proposed. 

In  each  Training  School  there  should  be  as  many  training 
classes  as  may  be  needed  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  com- 
munity. These  may  be  arranged  on  any  plan  to  suit  the 
wishes  of  those  concerned.  A  single  church  or  denomination 
may  have  its  own  class  or  classes.  The  times  and  places  of 
meeting  may  be  determined  by  vote  of  the  members,  provided 
one  session  is  held  each  week  of  the  school  year.  It  is  recom- 
mended that  no  Training  Class  be  formed  of  less  than  ten  nor 


i6 

more  than  seventy.  A  greater  number  should  divide  into  two 
or  more  classes.  In  each  Training  Class  there  should  be  a 
Leader,  a  Treasurer  and  a  Secretary,  elected  by  the  class  or  by 
the  Board  of  Directors. 

At  the  end  of  each  term  the  class  Secretary  should  report  to 
the  School  Registrar  certain  items  showing  the  work  of  the 
term,  as  may  be  designated,  the  same  to  be  compiled,  presented 
to  the  Board  of  Directors  and  a  duplicate  forwarded  to  the  Col  - 
lege  Registrar,  who  will  embody  the  same  in  his  term  report 
to  the  Board  of  Regents  and  to  the  General  Superintendent  of 
the  American  Institute  of  Religious  Education.  There  ought 
to  be  a  just  pride  in  every  student  of  every  class  to  make  the 
school  and  the  College  prosper,  and  take  a  proper  place  among 
the  colleges  of  other  states  that  pursue  the  same  course  of  train- 
ing. 

In  the  formation  of  classes  it  is  hoped  that  others  besides 
Sunday-school  teachers  will  be  encouraged  to  enter  as  students. 
There  are  many  among  the  earnest  3^oung  people,  sixteen  years 
of  age  and  upward,  who  ought  to  be  put;  in  training  for  the  of- 
fice of  a  teacher  in  the  church.  Their  presence  in  the  training 
classes  with  those  now  filling  this  important  position  will  have 
a  very  salutary  influence  upon  all.  When  they  graduate,  being 
more  flexible  and  ardent,  they  will  come  into  the  places  of  re- 
sponsibility at  a  very  great  advantage  over  others,  who  have 
contracted  many  bad  habits  not  easily  overcome. 


THE  FACULTY. 

Over  each  school  there  should  be  a  Principal,  and  for  each 
class  a  Tutor,  all  elected  by  the  Directors.  If  the  necessary 
funds  can  be  obtained,  it  is  advised  that  these  receive  compen- 
sation for  their  services.  It  will  be  difficult  otherwise  to  com- 
mand the  right  talent,  and  to  invest  it  with  sufficient  dignity. 
Unpaid  labor  is  lightly  esteemed,  and  few  can  be  found  to  con- 
secrate themselves  to  it. 

As  soon  as  the  right  man  can  be  found,  the  Board  of  Regents 
will  elect  one  who  shall  supervise  all  the  Training  Schools  of 
the  College,  give  special  instruction  to  principals  and  tutors, 
devise  methods  for  promoting  the  efficiency  of  the  Classes,  con- 


17 

duct  examinations,  etc.  This  person  will  give  his  entire  time, 
traveling  through  the  State  under  the  direction  of  the  Regents. 
Dr.  Gilbert  will  be  the  permanent  President  of  the  Faculty. 
Holding  the  same  position  in  other  states,  he  cannot  give  his 
entire  time  to  California,  but  his  inspiration  and  guidance  will 
be  felt,  exercised  largely  through  the  State  Superintendent, 
who  will  be  fully  instructed  and  trained  in  Dr.  Gilbert's  meth- 
ods, and  who  will  be  the  Vice  President  of  the  Faculty. 


THE  COMMENCEMENT. 

The  completion  of  the  College  year  will  be  observed  by  two 
kinds  of  exercises,  in  the  months  of  May  or  June. 

1 .  lyOCAL.  The  Board  of  Directors  of  each  Training  School 
will  arrange  at  an  appointed  time  and  place  for  an  exhibit  of 
its  year's  work,  for  the  promotion  of  Juniors  to  become  Seniors, 
and  for  a  proper  recognition  of  graduates,  including  the  presen- 
tation of  diplomas. 

2.  General.  The  Board  of  Regents  may  arrange  for  an 
annual  public  assembly  in  San  Fiancisco  or  Oakland,  when  all 
the  interests  of  the  College  shall  be  reviewed.  It  shall  provide 
in  connection  with  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  State  Sunday 
school  Association  the  following  :  A  meeting  of  the  Regents 
and  Directors  ;  a  conference  of  School  Faculties;  class  re-unions ; 
and  at  least  one  public  session  for  a  review  of  the  College  work 
of  the  5^ear,  at  which  time  the  names  shall  be  read  of  those  who 
during  the  year  have  completed  the  prescribed  course  of  study 
and  practice. 

THE  OPENING. 

This  prospectus  is  not  wholly  in  the  realm  of  desirable  plans. 
A  beginning  has  already  been  made. 

The  Oakland  Training  School  has  been  established.  The 
Board  of  Directors,  numbering  fifteen,  selected  from  ten  de- 
nominations, has  been  organized,  with  Dr.  W.  F.  Lewis  as 
President,  J.  A.  Calhoun,  Vice  President,  C.  F".  Baker,  Secre- 
tary,  W.    S.   Merriam,  Treasurer.     Four   classes   have   been 


i8 

formed,  numbering  about  three  hundred  students.  A  primary 
teachers'  department  has  also  been  formed,  with  Mrs.  C.  J. 
Woodbury  at  its  head.  Prof.  T.  O.  Crawford  has  been  elected 
Principal  of  the  School,  on  a  salary. 

At  San  Francisco,  Napa,  San  Jose,  Sacramento,  and  Los 
Angeles,  Boards  have  been  formed,  and  are  now  waiting  for 
the  President  of  the  Faculty  to  organize  the  School,  train  the 
Principal,  and  set  the  work-  in  order. 

THE  HEADQUARTERS. 

As  soon  as  the  necessary  funds  are  obtained  and  other  con- 
ditions are  met,  the  Regents  will  establish  an  office  in  San 
Francisco,  elect  a  Registrar,  and  provide  facilities  for  furnish- 
ing suitable  information  to  all  inquirers  concerning  the  schools 
and  classes.  In  the  same  connection  it  is  desired  to  open  a 
Drill  School,  in  which  special  instruction  maj-  be  given  to  all 
who  desire  preparation  for  any  positions  in  the  Faculty,  and  to 
any  others  who  seek  fuller  acquaintance  with  the  philosophy 
and  spirit  of  the  system  of  education  to  be  pursued  in  the  Col- 
lege. This  Drill  School  might  become  eventualh^  the  source 
of  influences  that  should  extend  to  all  the  towns  and  all  the 
churches  of  the  State,  and  even  of  the  Pacific  Coast. 


THE  FINANCES. 

The  Regents  propose  to  raise  a  sum  sufficient  to  meet  the 
general  expenses  of  the  CoUge, — postage,  printing,  office  rent, 
clerk  hire,  superintendent's  salary  and  traveling.  For  that  pur- 
pose an  appeal  will  be  made  to  the  Christian  public,  with  con- 
fidence that  the  usual  liberalit}^  of  our  people  will  fully  supply 
the  need. 

Each  Training  School  will  be  expected  to  meet  its  own  ex- 
penses, by  such  plan  as  it  may  devise.  The  Superintendent 
will  assist  the  Directors,  however,  in  managing  this  part  of 
their  work  so  that  the  budget  may  be  easily  raised. 


TESTIMONIALS. 


"  My  interest  has  been  deeply  aroused  b}^  a  movement  now 
being  carried  on  by  Rev  J.  E.  Gilbert,  D.D.,  of  this  city,  in 
reference  to  a  much  needed  reform  in  Sunday-school  instruc- 
tion. There  has  been  in  the  past  a  haphazard  character  in  the 
instruction  of  the  average  Sunday-school,  that  is,  to  my  mind, 
sadl}'  out  of  harmony  with  the  vastness  of  the  interests  at  stake. 
Without  doubt,  there  is  a  distinct  problem  before  the  Sunday 
School  teacher,  namely — to  produce  a  definite,  intellectual  con- 
ception of  fundamental  truths,  and  a  definite  emotional  state 
resulting  from  studious  contemplation  of  those  truths  as  applied 
to  the  development  of  Christian  character.  Dr.  Gilbert  seems 
to  have  grasped  the  idea  that,  such  being  the  end,  the  process 
of  such  teaching  must  be  one  based  on  a  careful  analysis  of  the 
nature  of  the  truth  to  be  taught,  and  of  the  being  who  is  to 
receive  instruction.  There  is,  therefore,  a  rational  method  of 
training  teachers  for  this  work.  The  reasonableness  of  his 
plans,  and  the  ability  and  energy  he  puts  into  the  work,  explain 
the  unprecedented  success  which  his  methods  are  achieving. ' ' — 
L.  H,  Jones,  Superintendent  of  hidianapolis  Public  Schools. 


"After  extensive  reading  and  careful  thought  on  the  subject 
of  teacher- training  for  more  than  ten  )^ears,  after  devising  and 
putting  in  practise  in  one  school  a  plan  of  my  own  for  its  ac- 
complishment, and  after  thoroughly  examining  and  for  the 
most  part  studying  the  various  systems  having  this  end  in  view, 
I  entertain  a  decided  conviction  that  the  system  of  which  Dr. 
Gilbert  is  the  author  is  by  far  the  best,  most  thorough  and 
practical  of  any  yet  devised." — A.  C.  Stuart,  St.  Louis,  Presi- 
de7it  Missouri  Sunday-school  Assembly. 


AMERICAN  INSTITUTE 


OF 


Reliqiou^  Education 


Rev.  J.  E.  Gilbert,  D.D.,  General  Supermtendent. 


The  purposes  for  which  this  Society  is  organized  are  these  : 
First,  to  awaken  a  profound  interest  in  the  subject  of  Bible 
study ;  second,  to  maintain  an  advanced  system  for  the  thor- 
ough instruction  and  training  of  suitable  persons  to  be  teach- 
ers of  the  Bible ;  third,  to  improve  the  management  of  the 
Sunday-school  as  an  institution  ;  fourth,  to  promote  temper- 
ance and  other  reforms  by  educational  methods  applied  to  the 
development  and  culture  of  the  spiritual  nature  ;  fifth,  to  en- 
gage the  best  minds  of  all  the  churches  in  a  diligent  search  for 
the  best  methods  of  religious  education  ;  sixth,  to  encourage 
religious  instruction  in  the  family.  In  prosecuting  these  de- 
signs this  Society  seeks  to  be  subordinate  and  helpful  to  all 
the  churches,  and  co-ordinate  and  co-operative  with  all  other 
religious  institutions,  offering  the  results  of  its  efforts  upon 
their  merits  to  all  who  wnll  employ  them  for  the  glory  of  the 
Master. — Constitution ^  Article  II, 


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